On February 24, 2025, the famous pop, jazz, and R&B singer Roberta Flack died. Born in Black Mountain, North Carolina, in 1937, she grew up in Arlington, Virginia. A gifted pianist and singer from a musical family, Flack began her music career in 1968 when she started performing professionally at a restaurant in Washington, D.C. She recorded her first album, First Take, in 1969. Then, Roberta Flack became celebrated as a big influence on the R&B subgenre dubbed ‘quiet storm’, along with her covers of artists such as Leonard Cohen and the Beatles.
She was the first artist to win the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in two consecutive years, in 1973 and 1974. Her big hit songs were “Killing Me Softly With His Song” and “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” as well as several duets with Donny Hathaway. Roberta Flack performed at many concerts, including New York, Atlanta, Cleveland, and Manchester shows. Roberta Flack sold over 7,783,351 albums, including 7,000,000 in the United States and 420,000 in the United Kingdom.
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However, Roberta Flack’s life changed once she was diagnosed with ALS in August 2022, but it’s not known how long she had the disease before that. ALS is short for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. These motor neurons control voluntary muscle movements, such as walking, talking, and breathing. This condition made it impossible for Roberta Flack to sing.
I interviewed some fans of Roberta Flack. I interviewed Haven Marinez, she said, “When I heard Roberta passed away, I was devastated. She made a huge impact on me. I love everything she did, she was my number one idol.” Roberta Flacks inspired many others with what she did and what her music made others feel. I also got a chance to interview Camila Gutierez, She said,” I like Roberta’s music; it makes me feel happy and calm, but her voice is just too good.” Roberta Flack’s music, particularly her smooth, soul-infused ballads, is often described as calming and hypnotic, creating a sense of tranquility and introspection.
Her legacy still lives on forever and in our hearts. Many were inspired by, idolized her, and loved her. Roberta Flack’s impact on the music world is profound and enduring. Her voice, her songwriting, and her artistry have left a lasting mark, making her a true icon in the history of music.
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Roberta Flack
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